My rule of thumb, is yes. Whenever I'm invited over I try to take something. Just as a kind of thank you for taking the time to have us over. I usually go with flowers or wine. If its brunch though, maybe a basket with some fruit. Flowers would be a good option too...

To me flowers is always nice (unless person has weird thing against flowers/allergic - but most people aren't), because it doesn't seem like a 'real gift', so if no one else brings something it is OK, but you don't arrive empty handed.

As long as the flowers are already arranged and in a vase. Otherwise, the gift is actually creating a burden on the hostess, who will then have to worry about finding a vessel, trimming the stems, putting them in water, etc.

As long as the flowers are already arranged and in a vase. Otherwise, the gift is actually creating a burden on the hostess, who will then have to worry about finding a vessel, trimming the stems, putting them in water, etc.

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For that reason, I like to take a small, potted plant in a pretty pot as a hostess gift. Less fuss, lasts longer and can be just as pretty!

One of the first things I would consider - is it the norm for your area to bring hostess gifts. Before everyone jumps all over me and say that it is always appropriate, cultural norms/standards can differ across the world.
If so, I would think about what you know about your former manager. Did she have candies on her desk? if so, what were they? - that would probably mean more to me than some of the other suggestions, you would remember what I liked.

For that reason, I like to take a small, potted plant in a pretty pot as a hostess gift. Less fuss, lasts longer and can be just as pretty!

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If someone brought me a plant I would be thankful but in reality it would be a burden. I never remember to water those things and then the next time that person comes over you feel embarrassed that the plant is long gone. Unless I knew the person liked to take care of plants then I would not bring that to someone.

I would never consider having to find a vase a burden - a vase makes it a much larger gift, and who knows if the recipient likes the style? (The only time I appreciated not having to worry about a vase was when I got flowers after my son was born. I had enough to look after )

So, yeah, I agree that customs differ a lot! Bringing wine would be considered odd as a hostess gift in Denmark, for instance, in most cases.

I'd typically bring something, and if it were a dinner party or evening event, I'd probably bring wine . But for a brunch, I'd either bring some nice bakery cookies from the bakery near me, or I I knew the manager would like it, a couple of nice teas/coffee or chocolates of some sort.

I would only take something that could be consumed as part of the brunch. I would never take flowers unless I knew them (and their families) well. I would consider everything in BittyBug's list, except the chocolates, a PITA. I don't want anymore soap samplers, candles or jars of food I'll never eat! These are, for me, the over-given obligation gifts that people have too much of and never use...if I'm given any of them (or little tiny bottles of bath/shower gel) it's a sign you don't know me well but feel like you need to give me a gift. Each year I give a bunch of them away to other people/charities.

For a brunch, I'd bring a bag of premium coffee, or, if I knew there would be lots of tea drinkers, a sampler of premium teabags. If they choose to use it right then, great, but they can use it at their convenience.

I usually do the standard bottle of wine and try to dress it up. I also tell the host that it is for her for later. Most events I go to are with larger families and I've started bringing donuts or bagels or bake muffins or a coffee cake and juice for the next day. I figure after going to the effort to plan an event, they will want to take it easy the next day.

Does the host have pets? If so, bring some dog/kitteh treats and if you're feeling cutesty, dress 'em up so it looks like the pet is part of the event. It's cheap, it's consumable, it doesn't step on anyone's toes. Since it's a group of office people, is there something small you could bring that would remind them of a shared work experience/private work? A bottle of Axe in memory of that annoying intern that used too much? A bunch of pens if she was a dirty pen thief?

To me, a Saturday brunch is casual, so wine might not be appropriate. I hesitate to bring food if the hostess has said they're providing, as you don't know if what you bring will clash...or even worse, be better than what the hostess served. While I'm sure I have something that could be used as a vase, I wouldn't be able to put my hand on it quickly enough to not be disrupting. I really hate scented candles and am not fond of fancy soaps and even people that do like it tend to have favorite scents/brands.

The typical hostess gifts are kind of like what you'd get for the office Santa Steal for someone you don't know very well. To me things like that say, well, I feel like I had to give you something, but couldn't be bothered to think about it.

Wondering what it says about me that brunch is synonymous with champagne . When we have people over for brunch (or go to someone's for brunch), the unspoken rule is that everyone brings a bottle of champagne. And by the end of brunch, they're all gone.

Wondering what it says about me that brunch is synonymous with champagne . When we have people over for brunch (or go to someone's for brunch), the unspoken rule is that everyone brings a bottle of champagne. And by the end of brunch, they're all gone.

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It says that your are political views are forgiven for brunch and I'll gladly accept an invite. I'm sure that by the end of the meal we'll discover that we have no disagreements.

Wondering what it says about me that brunch is synonymous with champagne . When we have people over for brunch (or go to someone's for brunch), the unspoken rule is that everyone brings a bottle of champagne. And by the end of brunch, they're all gone.

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It says that you are thoughtful and spot on! Great idea for a brunch host gift. Prosecco would work as well.

I have finally managed to schedule a play date for my son with one of his friends from pre-school (they are 2). His mom has invited me to brunch with her husband (mine is out this weekend) at their place on Sunday, and then the kids can play.
I asked if I could bring anything, since usually when I go to informal brunch with friends with kids I usually bring bagels & cream cheese or something - but she said no, just bring yourself.

I have finally managed to schedule a play date for my son with one of his friends from pre-school (they are 2). His mom has invited me to brunch with her husband (mine is out this weekend) at their place on Sunday, and then the kids can play.
I asked if I could bring anything, since usually when I go to informal brunch with friends with kids I usually bring bagels & cream cheese or something - but she said no, just bring yourself.

Should I still bring some flowers or something for her effort?

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You don't have to bring anything. I would, just because I feel uncomfortable coming empty handed (but that is me, not the rule). You could bring flowers, a bottle of wine/sparkling wine, or some sort of desert treat (maybe for the kids?).

I think people should do whatever they are comfortable with. If those who feel the need to take a gift take one, then those who don't want the gift should not take offense. If those who don't believe they should take a gift don't take one, then those who believe they should receive a gift should not take offense. That way, everyone will have to suck it up and not be offended some of the time, and everyone will have times when they are actually pleased.

There is more than enough real offense in the world without looking for it among our friends.

As a side note for those who like to take plants and flowers, in the spring, potted daffodils make a great gift. They are inexpensive, have no perfume, there is no need to find or buy a vase, and they are only expected to last a week at best. They are also environmentally friendly because the receiver can, if they like, plant them in the garden where they will bloom every year for years to come. They can also just chuck them in the garbage and no one will be the wiser.